Barclays considers merger plans with rival bank Standard Chartered - reports

One of many options being 'kicked around'

Barclays has been exploring potential merger plans with rival banks, including Standard Chartered, in response to pressure from well-known activist investor Edward Bramson, according to reports.

The talks to merge with a rival bank come as part of contingency plans being considered by senior board members following pressure from Sherborne Investors' Edward Bramson, who took a 5.4% stake in the firm earlier this year, making him one of its biggest shareholders. Barclays chairman John McFarlane has been lamenting a deal with StanChart, an idea backed Sir Gerry Grimstone, who chairs its Barclays International unit, according to the Financial Times.  Private conversations have taken place with a director at each bank about the potential benefits of such a deal, but no formal or i...